Mountain Lightning Safety: How to Survive Thunderstorms Above the Treeline¶

Mountains attract lightning, and hikers on ridges and summits are the tallest objects around. This guide covers thunderstorm formation and prediction, the 30-30 rule, lightning position, where to seek shelter above treeline, metallic equipment considerations, and post-strike first aid. Includes regional lightning frequency data.

Introduction¶

Lightning — The Mountain's Silent Killer¶

How Mountain Thunderstorms Form¶

Orographic Lift and Convection¶

Timing — The Afternoon Pattern¶

Predicting Thunderstorms¶

The 30-30 Rule¶

Flash-to-Bang Counting¶

When to Start Descending¶

Lightning Position¶

The Crouch¶

Insulation from Ground Current¶

Group Spacing¶

Shelter Strategies Above Treeline¶

Terrain Features for Protection¶

Locations to Absolutely Avoid¶

Below Treeline — Forest Safety¶

Metallic Equipment¶

Trekking Poles, Crampons, and Ice Axes¶

To Ditch or Not to Ditch¶

Post-Strike First Aid¶

CPR for Lightning Victims¶

Secondary Injuries¶

Regional Lightning Data¶

High-Frequency Areas¶

Planning Around Lightning Season¶